Chargers drop news release on safety Derwin James selection

Chargers drop news release on safety Derwin James selection

The Chargers came out of the gates swinging in the 2018 NFL draft, announcing that they plan to build upon the league’s No. 3 best scoring defense from 2017 in selecting former Florida State safety Derwin James.

There were strong arguments for Los Angeles to do all that they could to re-sign free agent FS Tre Boston this offseason after he posted Pro Football Focus best mark in coverage at the position. However, his comments about moving on in free agency as a business decision rubbed fans the wrong way and any contract talks are now moot with the signing of the talented former Seminole.

Below is the team’s official news release on the signing of James.

The Los Angeles Chargers selected defensive back Derwin James out of Florida State University with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

The Florida native totaled 84 tackles, two interceptions, 5.5 tackles for loss, a sack, 11 passes defensed and a blocked kick in 12 starts in 2017. James earned first-team All-America honors from the Football Writers Association of America and second-team All-America honors from Walter Camp, The Associated Press, Sporting News and the American Football Coaches Association in 2017. He was also named first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference and was on the Bednarik, Maxwell, Nagurski, Thorpe, and Hornung Awards watch lists.

James, a preseason All-American in 2016, received a redshirt his sophomore year due to injury. As a true freshman, James started his Seminole career with 91 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss, five passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a pair of recoveries in 2015. His performance earned third-team All-ACC recognition and he was named a freshman All-American by Sporting News, USA Today and CampusInsiders.com.